The external eye encompasses the parts of the organ that are primarily on the outside like the eyelids, cornea, and surrounding tissues. It also includes the anterior chamber, which is a fluid-filled space between the iris and cornea. When an object becomes lodged in this region, it must be removed to prevent damage and discomfort.

Signs of a Foreign Body in the Eye

You may notice a number of symptoms when something finds its way into the external eye. These are generally unpleasant sensations and can vary in severity. Common signs include:

Eye pain

Feeling pressure in the eye

An irritating sensation in the eye

Excessive tearing

Excessive blinking

Eye redness

Pain when looking toward light

Common Causes of a Foreign Body in the Eye

We come in contact with many everyday things that could become lodged in the eye. In fact, some are produced by our bodies. Common causes include:

Contact lenses that are dirty or torn

Sawdust, dirt, or sand

Stray eyelashes

Dried mucus

Cosmetics and beauty products

Glass shards

Metal particles

When to See an Ophthalmologist

Many people manage to wash debris from their eye without any problem. For example, something like a loose eyelash can probably be removed without the need for further medical treatment. Some situations can turn into an eye emergency that requires immediate medical attention. You should go to the emergency room or see an ophthalmologist right away for the following:

The debris has rough or sharp edges

The debris is big enough to get in the way of blinking

The debris contains any chemicals

The debris entered your eye at a high rate of speed

The debris is embedded in your eye

Any eye bleeding occurs

A quick response can save your eyesight in these situations. Always wear proper eye protection when engaging in high risk activities like sports. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians if you have questions about proper eye care or foreign body removal.

The equipment used to perform eye surgery is highly specialized. It must be precise, reliable, and capable of removing microscopic amounts of tissue at a time. The FDA has approved several, including the WaveLight FS200 Eye-Q excimer laser.

How Does an Excimer Laser Work?

The excimer laser employs modern technology to reshape the cornea. This is done by emitting ultraviolet light in a cool beam. A specific wavelength is used. Pulses of energy penetrate small amounts of cornea, sometimes as little as 0.25 microns.

The laser is used to flatten the cornea when adjusting for nearsightedness. It will steepen the cornea for farsightedness and it will smooth irregularities when correcting astigmatism.

Today, many new excimer lasers are equipped with eye-tracking systems that monitor movements and keep the laser on target. This has led to better outcomes for patients and fewer complications.

WaveLight FS200 Eye-Q Excimer Laser Features

While you don’t have to understand the equipment or process fully, it can be reassuring to know that your doctor is using the most up-to-date technology available. The WaveLight FS200 Eye-Q excimer laser includes:

An ophthalmologist can provide more information on whether or not surgery is the best option for you. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & GreyMichigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians at our Southeast Michigan offices to learn more and schedule a consultation.

Often the Labor Day holiday reminds parents that school is around the corner and an annual eye exam is needed. This should be a reminder for us adults as well. If you haven’t already, please schedule your appointment with your Eye Michigan ophthalmologist to facilitate healthy vision and avoid unnecessary vision loss.

Central retinal artery occlusion, or CRAO, is a condition that occurs when blood traveling through the central retinal artery becomes blocked. The condition was first described in the mid-1800s. Today, we have a better understanding of what it is and how to treat it.

Central Retinal Artery Occlusion Symptoms

Patients will experience a sudden loss of vision in one eye. There is no pain, but a funduscopy can reveal the appearance of a red lesion, often referred to as a cherry red spot. The red area is surrounded by pale retina which is caused by restricted blood flow. Anyone who experiences sudden vision loss should seek medical assistance immediately to determine if central retinal artery occlusion or another eye condition is the cause.

Central Retinal Artery Occlusion Treatment

There are multiple treatment options available to patients suffering from central retinal artery occlusion, including:

Ocular massage

Inhalation therapy

Anterior chamber paracentesis

Patients in North America may opt for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy which is only available through the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. This treatment may be covered by vision insurance, so contact your insurance provider to learn more about available benefits and costs.

Seek Medical Attention Quickly

Eye problems should never be ignored, especially when they lead to partial or complete vision loss. If you notice changes in your field of vision or experience eye discomfort, contact Eye Michigan at our Southeast Michigan office right away to schedule an appointment. Our renowned ophthalmologists can help provide answers and advice to guide you to the best treatment options for your eye condition.

Has anyone ever told you that you were a “sight for sore eyes”? It’s a common phrase that has been spoken for years. Despite its frequent use, many people do not know where the phrase came from or whether it means that your eyes hurt.

The History of a Sight for Sore Eyes

The phrase has been around a lot longer than most people realize. The first recorded use was penned by Jonathan Swift for the book A Complete Collection of Genteel and Ingenious Conversation (also known simply as Polite Conversation) in 1738. There are hints that it was in use prior to publication of Polite Conversation. At the time, the wording was a little different. It read: “The Sight of you is good for sore Eyes.”

The simplified modern version was first used by William Hazlitt in New Monthly Magazine in 1826. He wrote: Garrick’s name as proposed on condition he should act in tragedy and comedy… What a sight for sore eyes that would be!”

The Meaning of a Sight for Sore Eyes

Sore eyes sound painful, but when this phrase is used it typically means something different. The word “sore” usually refers to feelings of fear, worry, tension, or sorrow. The person or thing being viewed brings relief or is a welcome sight to the beholder.

If you are visiting your ophthalmologist, then they may be a sight for sore eyes for another reason. If you’re experiencing sore eyes, contact us to schedule an appointment at our Southeast Michigan office.

Thanksgiving is an occasion when families are often together for the first time in quite a while. This makes the holiday an opportune time to connect with aging family members to see if they have had the proper medical check-ups. Ask your loved one when they have last seen their ophthalmologist. As we grow older, our eyes age. Many diseases can be treated if caught early. Visiting your eye doctor regularly can help prevent loss of vision or blindness.

LenSx Cataract Surgery

The LenSx® Laser signifies a bold leap forward in cataract surgery. The first femtosecond laser cleared for use in cataract surgery, it brings image-guided computer precision to refractive cataract surgeons.